Letter Perfect

by Cathy Marie Hake

  “The O’Sullivans have already agreed?” Ruth stared at him.

  “No, they haven’t. They’ve pledged an agreement if, and only if, the specified route is used. They knew it would be contingent on this ranch’s cooperation and refused to sign anything until this got settled.”

  “You’re not gonna stick a bunch of rails straight down Kelly O’Sullivan’s garden are you?” Hilda glowered at Mr. Crocker.

  “No, ma’am. You have my word that we won’t.”

  “Humpf. Good thing.” Hilda started cracking eggs into a bowl.

  “I have authority to amend copies of the land purchase agreement,” Crocker said.

  “But we’re not able to sign anything now,” Josh said. He cast a quick smile at Ruth that melted her heart. “Until Ruth’s inheritance is clarified, the ownership of the Broken P remains questionable.”

  Crocker nodded. “I understood that to be so. I wanted to ask you to stop by my office in Sacramento on Tuesday, after the judge hears your case.”

  “Our case is being heard by the circuit judge, week after next,” Ruth said.

  “I’m afraid not.” Crocker’s brow furrowed. “The docket showed Mr. McCain requested the change to the capital. Notification was mailed out.”

  Hilda picked up a fistful of silverware and backed through the door into the dining room.

  “Dad’s been picking up the mail.” Josh’s voice sounded gritty. “He obviously planned on our not showing up.”

  “Well,” Ruth said as she reached over and put her hand on Josh’s arm, “I always did like to surprise people.”

  Josh stood and extended his arm across the table. “We’ll see you on Tuesday. In the meantime I’d appreciate it if you’d not disclose the fact that we are aware of what my father’s done.”

  Mr. Crocker rose and shook hands. “Agreed.”

  “You got a minute, McCain?” Hilda’s voice came from the dining room. “We need to have a sit-down and talk over the grocery budget. It’s stayed the same for years, but prices are goin’ up.”

  Josh jerked his head toward the back. He and Mr. Crocker hastened outside. Ruth snatched the coffee mug from where Josh had been seated and took a quick gulp as Hilda bustled through the door with McCain close behind her.

  “What’s wrong with you, girl?” McCain’s eyes narrowed.

  Hilda let out a cackle. “I didn’t make the coffee.”

  “Why are there two cups on the table?”

  “You sayin’ I’m not allowed to have a cup?” Hilda glowered at him.

  Ruth stood and reached for the other mug. “Believe me, Hilda, you don’t want to have any of this.” Dumping the coffee down the sink, she sighed. “I’m glad we have you, Hilda. Left to our own devices, I’m afraid we’d all starve.”

  “Yep.” Hilda shook her finger at McCain. “That’s why you need to allow me more money for the groceries.” She turned to Ruth. “Go on up and pull Laney out of bed. That handsome Mr. Crocker is going to be at the breakfast table. With my good food and coffee, he’ll be in a fine mood. It wouldn’t hurt her to pay him a little attention.”

  “Make sure she puts on one of her prettiest dresses,” McCain ordered.

  Ruth scooted out of the room and headed up the stairs. “Lord, thank you for Hilda!”

  Reassured that Mr. Crocker wouldn’t fulfill her father’s plan to propose, Laney relaxed at breakfast. She even managed to sound disappointed when he announced that he needed to take his leave and travel back to Sacramento.

  “I’m sure there are a few things you and Ruth would like from town,” McCain mused. “Ruth shipped many fine things, but there are always little items one forgets.”

  “I can’t think of a thing I need. Josh took care of providing a lamp table.”

  Josh patted her hand. “We ought to go in today, Ruth. I’m sure you’ll want to decorate the room we’ll be sharing.”

  “Oh, yes! His room is so dreary. Brown coverlet. Brown curtains.” Laney shuddered dramatically. “I declare, it looks like the inside of a cave.”

  “Actually …” Josh drew out the word. “I’ve decided what we need to do is go to Sacramento. I need to find you a pretty ring.”

  “A gown!” Laney beamed. “She needs a bridal gown.”

  “I somehow got the notion that California didn’t make such a fuss over weddings. I pictured a calico dress and a handful of wild flowers.”

  “No, no, dear.” McCain shook his head. “Things must be done correctly. We’ll find out who the best seamstress is in Sacramento, then send for her. She can stay here and work on the piece.”

  “Oh.” Ruth frowned. “I rather hoped to be able to travel to Sacramento. It sounds so exciting!”

  “If I might suggest,” Mr. Crocker said, “the two of you could plan that for your honeymoon. Spend a little time in Sacramento— maybe stay at the Orleans Hotel and take in a show at the Eagle Theater. I understand the Chrysopolis sidewheeler is the conveyance for elite bridal parties. You could take it up to San Francisco.”

  “The Chrysopolis?” Josh asked.

  Crocker nodded. “I’ve been on it. Magnificent vessel. Mahogany and red plush appointments, lavish meals. Even a band. First-rate travel.”

  “Dandy!” McCain slapped the table. “I tell you what—I’m going to Sacramento this week. You kids talk to the parson tomorrow and give me a date. I’ll make all the arrangements for your bridal trip.”

  “Ruth and I can’t possibly go to town today now.” Laney blotted her mouth. “We need to sit down and make lists.”

  “Lists?” Ruth felt a sinking feeling. She’d always detested all of the pomp and etiquette.

  “Of course. A guest list. A list of what you’ll need for your trousseau. Once you decide on a date, we’ll determine which flowers will be in bloom. Then, we’ll have to confer with Hilda about the menu for the bridal supper.”

  “See?” McCain nodded toward Crocker. “My Elaine is outstanding with organizing such events.”

  An hour later, Ruth threw herself across the bed and moaned. “Laney, I hoped you were just concocting a reason why we didn’t have to go to town. I didn’t want to get wrapped up in all of these!” She waved her hand toward the pile of lists Laney had going.

  Laney pouted, “All right. We can stop planning the details for the wedding.”

  Ruth sat up.

  “But we need to decide on what kind of engagement party to throw.”

  Ruth flopped back down. “Laney, I don’t want all of that fuss and bother. I’ll end up doing something gauche and embarrassing myself and Josh.”

  “Nonsense.”

  Grasping at straws, Ruth propped up on one elbow. “The whole thing has to be subdued. I know I’m not wearing black, but I’m in mourning.”

  “Well, you’re still going to have a magnificent gown. Your mother made you promise not to wear black. Queen Victoria made wearing white wedding gowns very fashionable. We’ll commission a white gown.”

  “I have one already. When Bernadette sent the furniture, she included the rest of my clothes. I haven’t worn that gown yet because I just know the first time I put it on, I’ll spill something all down the front.”

  “You’ll look beautiful.” Laney clasped her hands and looked at the ceiling in rapture. “Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve pretended I was a bride. Mama cut down her own bridal gown and let me traipse around in it.”

  “She didn’t save it in a cedar chest for you to wear when you married?”

  “No. It was from her first marriage. Mama was a widow, and she always said Daddy rescued her from being penniless and alone. Isn’t that romantic?”

  “You could write a dime novel about it someday.”

  Laney shook her head. “I couldn’t. They’re supposed to live happily ever after. Daddy’s never been the same since Mama passed on.” Gathering up the lists, Laney brightened her voice. “We need to go choose what dress you’ll wear to church tomorrow. You’ll be the center of attention when everyone hears you’re
going to be Josh’s bride.”

  In no time at all, gowns covered every available surface back in the cabin. Laney declared she needed to survey them all in order to determine what Ruth needed for a trousseau. Standing amidst the sea of extravagantly full skirts, ruffles, bows, and a rainbow of colors, Ruth declared, “I won’t need another stitch for a decade!”

  “You do have a wonderful wardrobe.” Laney fluffed the short, off-the-shoulder sleeves of a silver-shot pale blue party gown. “You should definitely take this on your honeymoon. I’m surprised that some of these gowns are so … practical.”

  Memories of sewing at Mama’s bedside swamped Ruth. She ran her hand down the abundant gathers of a brown-, cream-, and green-striped frock. “Now that I look back, I realize Mama was trying to outfit me for coming west. She chose patterns and fabric, and I’d sit by her and stitch by the hour.”

  “I envy you.” Laney clasped Ruth’s hand. “Your mother depended on you in her last days for comfort and companionship. Me? I was so flighty and emotional, Mama’s friends kept taking me away.”

  “Mama sent me away to schools until the very end,” Ruth reminded her.

  “But you and I were alike—as obedient daughters, we did what our mothers wanted. The difference is, in those last months your mother drew you close and found solace in your presence. You have that gift, Ruth—to make others feel good about themselves. Even with everything going wrong around here, you’ve been our strength and comfort.”

  “God’s been our strength and comfort,” Ruth corrected her gently. She smiled. “You, Josh, and I are sort of like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. We’re all standing together in the fiery furnace and the Lord is keeping us safe.”

  “Well, their clothes didn’t get burned.” Laney let out a sigh and turned around. “Though if a few of these were singed, it would make it far easier to decide what you ought to wear tomorrow.”

  “You once said Josh’s favorite color is green.” Ruth fingered a deep green gown with black braid embellishments.

  “That’s far too serious-looking. Save that for when the judge hears your case in court. What about this one?” Laney held up a white-dotted pale blue gown.

  Ruth wrinkled her nose. “That never fit right.” Pressing the sides against Laney, she mused, “I’ll bet it suits you perfectly. Try it on!”

  “Oh, I couldn’t!”

  “Nonsense.” Ruth spun Laney around and started unfastening her buttons. “Laney, you’re going to need a dress. There’s something I have to tell you… .”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  I’ve written a bank draft already,” Dad said at Sunday afternoon supper. “You can set out in the morning and ought to reach the Ortiz spread by Tuesday evening. The agreement is for your choice of one of three bulls. It’ll be good to expand the bloodline here.”

  Josh nodded to acknowledge his father’s comments. The depth of his father’s betrayal hit hard. He planned this little buying trip to coincide with the court date he’d secretly scheduled. He’d been masterful at manipulating everything.

  “Something’s wrong.” Dad glanced at how Ruth and Laney were pushing food around on their plates. “They’re not eating, and you’re gritting your molars so hard, your cheek is twitching.”

  “You know I don’t like discussing business on Sundays, Dad. Besides, the topic you’ve chosen isn’t suited for delicate ears.”

  “Really, Daddy.” Laney set down her fork. “How could you spoil Ruth’s engagement luncheon by talking about stinky old bulls?”

  “You girls will have to excuse me,” Dad said in an oily tone. “I was just trying to make sure everything was set before I leave.”

  “Where are you going?” Ruth’s voice sounded steady. Josh admired her for the control she showed. Though she couldn’t seem to swallow a bite, his sweetheart hadn’t done a thing to tip Dad off that they were wise to his plans.

  “I’m going to Sacramento, remember?” Dad smiled. “With your head in the clouds over your engagement, I can see how you let that little fact slip your mind. Anyway, the last time I was there, you girls and Hilda went over to the O’Sullivans’ and helped do a lot of canning and such. I’ve told Hilda I want you to all go and do that again. Josh tells me Cullen’s faring poorly, and they’ll undoubtedly appreciate your help.”

  Laney folded her hands in her lap. “After church today, Mrs. O’Sullivan invited us to come quilt.”

  “There. Now wasn’t that nice? It proves you’re meant to go over there. Son, you’d better write down the name of that ship so I can book your wedding trip.”

  Ruth reached up her sleeve and pulled out a knotted hanky. Carefully working the knot free, she said, “Laney and I have been discussing the wedding. She tells me the tailor you and Josh use is still in Sacramento. I’d love for Josh to have a new suit. Could you please order one for me?”

  Dad accepted the double eagle and nodded. “Of course I will.”

  Josh noted he didn’t say a word about the fact that twenty dollars would easily buy three of the finest suits, a dozen custommade shirts, and a handful of ties.

  “Ruth, dear,” Dad said as he pocketed the gleaming coin, “it’s not safe for you to have this kind of money just sitting around.”

  “Oh, I’m not worried about that at all. As you’ve said, we’re all family. No one else has access to my things. Besides, even if they did, they wouldn’t know where to look.” She looked at Laney, covered her mouth, and giggled.

  Laney giggled, too. Her eyes sparkled. “Should we tell them?”

  “You’ve never been able to keep a secret,” Dad said to Laney.

  “Oh, well.” Ruth reached for her teacup. “If you must know, I slipped a few of those pretty coins in the middle of my button jar.”

  “Ruth,” Josh said in a warning tone.

  “Oh, there weren’t many, Josh.” She waved her hand back and forth. “Four or seven or eight. I thought it would be too big of a bother to stop by the bank whenever I wanted to buy something.”

  “You and I are going to have to work on keeping secrets,” Josh said to Ruth. He rose from the table. “Why don’t we go for a stroll?”

  “That’s so romantic,” Laney sighed.

  Ruth frowned at Laney. “You’ve had too much excitement for today. Maybe you ought to take a little nap.”

  “That’s a good idea,” Josh said. He didn’t want Laney alone with Dad. “You still haven’t fully recovered from that concussion.”

  “I was going to have Laney help me pack for my trip,” Dad said. “She always tells me I’m atrocious at matching things.”

  Hilda started clearing away the dishes. “I can toss things into a valise for you. Don’t know why you suddenly gotta be fancified. Most often, you pop on over to Sacramento and just buy whatever you need.”

  “I’m trying to economize,” Dad said. “I know the bride’s family pays for the wedding, but there might be some added expenses.”

  “Humpf.” Hilda took Laney’s plate. “Why don’t you scamper over and nap in my bedroom over at the cabin? It’s a far sight cooler than yours. Since the window faces east, my chamber gets shady in the afternoon.”

  “That’s a good plan.” Dad nodded emphatically.

  “I’ll tuck her in,” Ruth pledged. She was as good as her word. Josh stayed in the main room of the cabin and heard Ruth’s voice as she soothed his sister into bed. Odd, how Ruth was the most vibrant, earthy woman he knew, yet she could focus her attention on someone and let them benefit from the calm in the middle of her storm.

  She exited Hilda’s chamber, shut the door, and took his hand. They set out on a stroll.

  “Everything’s arranged,” Josh told her as they wandered down a grassy path. “We’ll take the train tomorrow to Sacramento. Farnsworth will meet us there. He’s reserved rooms for us at the Orleans Hotel. He’ll use the afternoon to go over the case with us and brief you on what to expect when we go before the judge.”

  “I have the letter. I carry it everywh
ere with me.”

  Josh regretted that she needed to do so, but it showed prudence. Dad couldn’t be trusted.

  “Thank you for having Mr. Farnsworth do all of this. I’m afraid I would have just burst into court and made a scene.”

  “Rick Maltby is to get the results on the cigarette case tomorrow. Galen’s going to stop by the Broken P just before midday to pick up Hilda and Laney. He’ll take them to town, where Maltby will have a carriage. They’ll meet us tomorrow evening.”

  “Laney’s doing far better than I thought she would about your father, but I’d like to spare her from being in court. Couldn’t we just have her stay at home with Hilda?”

  “I’ve been on my knees about this, Ruth. Laney’s caught somewhere between being a child and a woman. Galen’s told me she’ll never grow up until I let her. Then, there’s your experience—you would have rather known the truth about your mother. It’s been hard for you to accept, even though her motive was to lovingly shield you, that you weren’t given a voice in the decision. I’ve decided to have Laney in Sacramento, and she can make a determination for herself.”

  Ruth stopped in a shady spot under a spreading oak. Tears glossed her eyes. “Josh, you said you’ve been on your knees. God answered your prayer by giving you wisdom.”

  Josh cupped her cheeks. “Thank you, Ruth. I’ll let you in on a little secret.” She smiled up at him. “Laney told me you’ve said you might never get married. Especially since you received your inheritance, I’ve worried you might think I’m courting your money instead of you.”

  “You’d never do such a thing.”

  “I’m glad you know that. But, you see, I’m not about to take a chance on the most precious thing that’s ever happened to me. Ruthie, I’m not asking you to marry me. I’m telling you I’ll never be whole unless you do. I love you, sweetheart.”

  “Your sister’s very insightful. She once told me a man would have to earn my trust before he’d ever win my love. You’ve done just that, Josh. My heart is yours. I can’t believe you’ll really have me, but I’d be happy to be your wife.”